THE ROLE OF HUMOR AND JOY IN SCRIPTURE
While the Bible is often perceived as a serious book dealing with weighty matters, it also contains numerous instances of laughter, humor, and joy. These elements play significant roles in biblical narratives, offering insights into human nature, divine interaction, and the full spectrum of human experience in relation to God.
Abraham and Sarah: Laughter of Disbelief and Joy
One of the most famous instances of laughter in the Bible involves Abraham and Sarah:
Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear? (Genesis 17:17, KJV)
Sarah's laughter is also recorded:
Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also? (Genesis 18:12, KJV)
Later, this laughter of disbelief turns to joy:
And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me. (Genesis 21:6, KJV)
Laughter and Joy in the Psalms
The Psalms often express joy and laughter as responses to God's goodness:
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. (Psalm 126:2, KJV)
Ecclesiastes: A Time for Laughter
Ecclesiastes acknowledges laughter as part of life's cycles:
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; (Ecclesiastes 3:4, KJV)
Humorous Elements in the Prophets
Even in prophetic books, we find elements of humor. Elijah's mockery of the prophets of Baal is a notable example:
And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked. (1 Kings 18:27, KJV)
Joy as a Fruit of the Spirit
Paul lists joy as a fruit of the Spirit:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (Galatians 5:22, KJV)
Laughter in the Kingdom of God
Jesus speaks of future laughter in the context of the kingdom:
Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. (Luke 6:21, KJV)
The Purpose of Laughter and Joy in Scripture
- To Express Faith: Laughter can be an expression of trust in God's promises.
- To Convey Truth: Humor is often used to make a point more memorable or palatable.
- To Reflect God's Nature: Joy and laughter reflect aspects of God's character.
- To Provide Relief: Humor can offer relief in tense or difficult situations.
- To Build Community: Shared laughter can strengthen bonds within the community of believers.
Conclusion
Laughter and joy play significant roles in Scripture, from expressions of disbelief turned to faith, to moments of irony that reveal deeper truths. The Bible presents a God who not only tolerates laughter but also inspires it, and a faith that encompasses the full range of human emotions, including joy and humor. This reminds us that our relationship with God and our spiritual journey can and should include moments of lightness, laughter, and celebration, alongside reverence and solemnity.
Written by Zach Anderson (zmanderson@gmail.com) and placed in public trust at ultrafree.org. KJV is quoted. Feel free to share, free of charge.